Decriminalization

NORML supports the removal of all penalties for the private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults, including cultivation for personal use, and casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This policy, known as decriminalization, removes the consumer — the marijuana smoker — from the criminal justice system, while maintaining criminal penalties against those who sell or traffic large quantities of the drug.

Marijuana prohibition applies to everyone, including the sick and dying. Of all the negative consequences of prohibition, none is as tragic as the denial of medicinal cannabis to the tens of thousands of patients who could benefit from its therapeutic use.

Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species cannabis sativa L. that contains minimal (less than 1%) amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It is a tall, slender, fibrous plant similar to flax or kenaf. Various parts of the plant can be utilized in the making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, foodstuffs, insulation, animal feed and other products.

Economic Impact of Industrial Hemp in KY

; July 1998

Results of KY House Bill 100

KY House Bill 100

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Passed to Study the Economic Impact of Industrial Hemp in KY

Current States with Hemp Laws

via NORML

Kentucky’s Hemp Law
Laws and Resolutions Authorizing Hemp Research

Year Passed: 2001
Summary: The Kentucky Legislature approved House Bill 100 establishing an industrial hemp research program to study hemp as an agricultural product in Kentucky. This legislation creates an industrial hemp commission to monitor the program, issue a report, and make recommendations to the Governor. This state study remains ongoing.